The company is behind several major property developments in Otago, including Wānaka’s Northlake, River Terrace in Cromwell and the Ayrburn food and wine destination near Arrowtown.
In a statement to NZX, Winton Land said Mr Meehan quit with immediate effect during the final stages of a ‘‘board-led employment process’’ unrelated to Winton’s performance or financial reporting.
It comes after Winton Land last month announced Mr Meehan was taking leave from his role as chief executive for health reasons.
The statement to NZX yesterday said Mr Meehan would remain on the board as a director.
Winton Land’s board elected existing independent director and former National MP Steven Joyce as chairman.
‘‘We thank Chris for the significant role he has played over nearly 20 years in building Winton,’’ the board said.
‘‘The board is confident that the senior leadership team will continue to successfully deliver on Winton’s plans and performance,’’ the NZX statement said.
Julian Cook, the company’s executive director of retirement, would take on an expanded role in an interim capacity, it said.
‘‘Our priority is to continue delivering for our customers and maintain business continuity.’’
While the nature of the ongoing employment process was not disclosed, Mr Meehan’s behaviour at Winton Land was previously referred to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).
In 2025, the ERA ordered Winton Capital to pay Mr Meehan’s former assistant $100,000 in a personal grievance case.
The case centred on a business-class seat on a long-haul flight.
‘‘That was the worst f...ing flight I have ever f...ing taken, how the f... did I end up in seat 29 between the bar and the toilet?’’ Mr Meehan said down the phone.
Mr Meehan is also a prominent political donor, primarily to the National Party, Act New Zealand and New Zealand First.
Between 2022 and 2025, Mr Meehan gave $213,645.23 to the three parties in the coalition government, with most of the money going to National.
Two projects linked to Mr Meehan and Winton Land, including the Ayrburn Screen Hub film and television production facility to be built between Arrowtown and Lake Hayes, have been given fast-track approval by the government. — RNZ
